Artists

Édouard Manet

2 works in the collection

Édouard Manet (1832-1883) was a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Widely recognized for his modern approach to painting, Manet challenged the academic traditions of the 19th-century Salon, choosing instead to explore contemporary life, bold subject matter, and experimental techniques. His works, such as *Olympia* and *Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe*, shocked the public and paved the way for modernism in art. While Manet is best known for his portrayals of Parisian society, he also engaged deeply with traditional religious themes, reinterpreting them through a modern lens. *Jesus Mocked by the Soldiers* (1865) is a testament to his ongoing dialogue with the Old Masters and his willingness to confront profound, often controversial, subjects. Source: adapted from the artwork essays in this collection.